15.079 BF357Phyllonorycter stettinensis

(Nicelli, 1852)

A common and widespread moth in England and Wales, with only a very few Scottish records.

The moth is bivoltine, with a flight period in May and August. The adult is quite a dark species compared to other Phyllonorycters, with contrasting whitish bands.

The larval foodplant is Alder (Alnus) and it forms a small oval mine on the upper leaf surface, with a crease down the centre. Unlike other species that form an upperside mine, the surface is not papery, but quite glossy and heavily creased. The mine begins green and then turns orange or brown when more mature.